Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells

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Garlic Butter Steak Bites & Creamy Parmesan Shells

Introduction

When you combine succulent steak bites seared in garlic butter with creamy, cheesy pasta shells, you get a dish that’s hearty, indulgent, and satisfying. The steak is tender and full of flavor, while the pasta balances it with a rich, silky Parmesan cream sauce. This duo makes the perfect one-pan-meets-side-dish meal that feels like restaurant dining at home.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

For the Garlic Butter Steak Bites

  • 2 lbs sirloin steak (or ribeye, strip, filet), cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

For the Creamy Parmesan Shells

  • 12 oz (about 4 cups) medium pasta shells
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk (warm)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ cup mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

  1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
  2. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute (to remove raw flour taste).
  3. Slowly whisk in warm milk and heavy cream until smooth.
  4. Stir in Parmesan, mozzarella, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  5. Toss cooked shells in sauce. Keep warm.

Step 3: Sear the Steak Bites

  1. Pat steak cubes dry with paper towels (this ensures a good sear).
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over high heat until shimmering.
  3. Add steak in a single layer (do not overcrowd). Sear 2 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
  5. Return steak to skillet, toss to coat in garlic butter, and sprinkle with parsley.

Step 4: Serve

Plate a generous scoop of creamy Parmesan shells and top with garlic butter steak bites. Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley.

Methods

  • Hot pan, dry meat → essential for steak caramelization (that golden crust).
  • Butter + garlic finish → coats steak bites with rich flavor.
  • Parmesan cream sauce → use freshly grated cheese for smooth melting (pre-shredded can clump).

History

  • Steak bites are a modern comfort-food twist — small cubes cook quickly while staying juicy.
  • Parmesan cream pasta draws inspiration from Alfredo-style sauces, rooted in Italian-American cuisine, but richer and creamier with added mozzarella.
  • The pairing reflects American steakhouse dining, combining meat and creamy carbs into one indulgent plate.

Benefits

  • Quick: Ready in 30 minutes.
  • Balanced: Protein + carbs = filling meal.
  • Crowd-pleasing: Rich, garlicky, cheesy flavors loved by adults and kids alike.
  • Customizable: Swap pasta for rice, add spinach or mushrooms, or try different steak cuts.

Formation (Serving Ideas)

  • Serve family-style on a big platter for sharing.
  • Pair with roasted vegetables or garlic bread.
  • Add a fresh side salad to balance richness.
  • Drizzle with a little balsamic glaze for an elegant touch.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Steak Bites with Creamy Parmesan Shells is pure comfort food bliss. Juicy steak cubes in garlicky butter, paired with velvety pasta, make a dish that’s indulgent yet simple to prepare. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table happy.

Lovers of This Recipe

  • Steak lovers who want bold, juicy bites.
  • Pasta enthusiasts who can’t resist creamy, cheesy goodness.
  • Busy home cooks looking for fast but impressive meals.
  • Families who want a hearty, shareable dinner.

Final Thought

This dish is proof that you don’t need a steakhouse or Italian trattoria to enjoy a luxury meal — you can have both worlds in your kitchen with just 30 minutes, simple ingredients, and lots of garlic butter love.

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